Final answer:
Modern American education contrasts with the 14th Amendment era by being universally accessible and mandatory, reflecting significant advancements from past periods of inequality and segregation. Education is now considered a right with funding provided by the government, and the modern system emphasizes formal education for all citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The education system in modern America has undergone significant changes since the era of the 14th Amendment. At the time of the 14th Amendment, there was no explicit provision about educational segregation or accessibility. However, the amendment allowed the government to prohibit discriminatory state actions based on race, which eventually led to the prohibition of segregated public schools.
Today, the modern U.S. educational system stands as a progression from past practices, emphasizing the right and responsibility to a basic education for all citizens. This includes federal and state governments covering the cost of free public education, making education universally accessible and mandatory for all, contrasting with historical periods of inequality and segregation. The availability of education regardless of class, race, or disability showcases the current commitment to broad educational access.
Education funding remains a contested topic based on state budgets and taxes, but it reflects the priority given to ensuring that students learn the facts and concepts deemed necessary by society. With these changes, education is framed as a social institution vital for equipping members of society with basic academic knowledge, learning skills, and cultural norms.